How to help
There are many ways to do your part in conserving Lake Wingra and the Wingra watershed. Help reduce nutrient and sediment runoff to the lake; do your part to care for our precious water resources and natural areas; and enjoy the lake and lakeshore, where nature and people co-exist in the midst of city life.
At your home or business property:
- Rake and pile leaves out of the street.
- Keep storm sewers clean.
- Properly disposal of chemicals; never dump them in storm drains.
- Cover bare soil with mulch, or establish healthy lawn turf or other vegetation.
- Direct your downspouts to lawn or garden, not driveways or sidewalks.
- Plant a rain garden.
- Compost yard waste.
- Use lawn and garden chemicals conservatively, or switch to organic lawn care.
- Clean up pet waste.
- Wash your car at a car wash, or on gravel/grass with phosphate-free soap.
In your neighborhood:
- “Each one teaches one” — lead by example and share your yard and garden successes with others.
- Don’t feed ducks and geese.
- Set up teams to keep storm sewers clean.
As an occasional volunteer:
- Participate in invasive plant control and lake cleanup days.
- Join the FOLW listserv for announcements.
- Organize a storm drain stenciling team.
- Support FOLW by making a donation.
As a frequent volunteer:
- Form a lake committee in your Neighborhood Association.
- Be a liaison from your Neighborhood Association to FOLW.
- Contact FOLW (info@lakewingra.org) for current activities and more suggestions.
At school and with your family and friends:
- Learn about your lake; visit and observe, ask questions, seek answers.
In your leisure time:
- Enjoy your lake often; canoe, hike, bike, skate, swim, fish, star gaze, watch sunsets!